No, really, you might want to get rid of that old refrigerator
So when is it worth it to replace your refrigerator with a more-energy efficient model?Lots of different opinions out there on this one, and here's another one. Alina Tugend sought the advice of Noah Horowitz, senior scientist at the National Resources Defense Council about when to chuck that older appliance. And here's what Horowitz had to say, "If it's avocado or brown-colored, it's time to retire it." In other words, if it came from the 70s, it's time for it to go, as those use three to four times as much energy as today's models.
According to the EPA, any appliance over 15 years old should be retired. And here's the clincher, when you do decide to retire it, according to Horowitz, do not resell it; recycle it (call your town or city for information). Also, don't move it to the basement as a second refrigerator.
And when the day finally comes that you and that avocado energy hog have to part ways, make sure you buy an Energy Star-certified model with a top-freezer design. And skip the ice maker and water dispenser.
It's Energy Independence Day! 
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